Drones for Defence

The Indian government's policy reforms and regulatory framework have played a crucial role in fostering growth in the defence manufacturing sector. The "Make in India" initiative, coupled with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016, has encouraged domestic manufacturing and indigenization. The government's decision to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) cap to 74% under the automatic route has further facilitated foreign collaborations.

- Aanchal Ghatak

Vipul Joshi, CFO of ideaForge, highlights the transformative impact of the “Make in India” initiative on India’s defence manufacturing sector, particularly in UAV technology. By developing advanced drones domestically, ideaForge has reduced dependence on imports, promoted local innovation, and strengthened India’s defence capabilities, paving the way for the country’s emergence as a global defence leader. Excerpts:

How has the Make in India initiative influenced the defence manufacturing sector, particularly in the UAV space?

The Make in India initiative has significantly accelerated the growth of the defence manufacturing sector, particularly in the UAV space, by fostering innovation, self-reliance, and the development of indigenous technologies.

Our journey at ideaForge began in 2004 when a group of passionate IIT Bombay alumni, including Ankit Mehta, Rahul Singh, Ashish Bhat, and myself, joined forces in the innovation cell. Driven by a commitment to cutting-edge technology, we established one of India's foremost drone companies in 2007.

We have been proudly building indigenous UAV technology long before a supportive ecosystem emerged. From developing India's first quadrotor drone to creating high-altitude, all-terrain UAVs, we have consistently led the charge in domestic innovation.

As part of our commitment to “Make in India for the World,” we are scaling our operations to meet global demands. Our advanced UAV solutions enhance operational capabilities both domestically and internationally, positioning India as a key player in the global drone technology market. ideaForge has grown from our roots in the innovation cell to establish manufacturing facilities in Mumbai, where we meticulously design and produce advanced drone solutions that meet the demanding requirements of our customers.